Influenza is a viral infection that attacks your respiratory system — your nose, throat, and lungs. Influenza is commonly called the flu, but it’s not the same as “stomach flu” viruses that cause diarrhea and vomiting.

Flu spreads by passing through the air and entering your body through your nose or mouth. Between 5% and 20% of people in the U.S. get the flu each year.

The flu can be severe or even deadly for older adults, newborn babies, and people with certain chronic illnesses like diabetes and asthma.

How About the Cold?

Like the flu, the cold is also caused by a virus and a respiratory illness. However, the significant difference is the intensity. Colds are much milder than the flu.

With the cold, your symptoms may only be limited to a sore throat and a runny nose. Fever is uncommon with the cold, and you’ll likely recover after a day or two.

How Contagious Is the Flu?

The flu starts to be contagious a day before your symptoms show. That’s the reason people spread it quickly because they are contagious without feeling any weakness.

You’re contagious while you still show symptoms – but not indefinitely. You’re most likely no longer contagious five to seven days after feeling sick.

Flu signs and symptoms usually come on suddenly. It usually happens when you wake up after sleeping or even right after a meal. People who are sick with the flu feel some or all of these symptoms:

• Fever or feeling feverish/chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults

Depending on your immune system, you may or may not have a fever. You may only have body aches or, at the very least, feel feverish.

Like all other illnesses, symptoms are not always identical. Some have it more severe, some will have milder symptoms, and some are even asymptomatic.

What we need to look out for are people who are at higher risk of developing flu complications. These are people who should seek immediate professional medical care.

• Young children under age 5, and especially those under age 2
• Adults older than age 65
• Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
• Pregnant women and women up to two weeks postpartum
• People with weakened immune systems
• People who have chronic illnesses, such as asthma, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, and diabetes
• People who are very obese, with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher

If you or your child fall under any of the bullets mentioned above, we strongly advise you to seek medical attention immediately. At Highland Family Medicine, Dr. Helton, Dr. Middler, and Dr. Hardin will provide the best care for those in need. 

Usually, you’ll need nothing more than bed rest and plenty of fluids (water or fruit juice) to treat the flu. Sometimes, however, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication, such as Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or Zanamivir (Relenza).

If taken soon after you notice symptoms, these drugs may shorten your illness by a day or so and help prevent serious complications.

Oseltamivir is an oral medication. On the other hand, Zanamivir is inhaled through a device similar to an asthma inhaler. No one with respiratory problems, such as asthma and lung disease, should use the latter.

Antiviral medication side effects may include nausea and vomiting. You may lessen these side effects if you take medicine with food. Oseltamivir has also been associated with delirium and self-harm behaviors in teenagers.

Some strains of influenza have become resistant to amantadine and rimantadine (Flumadine), which are older antiviral drugs. However, they are still highly effective on strains without resistance, which is why doctors may still prescribe them.

Home Remedies

Apart from the medication, rest, and fluid intake mentioned above, you may also try these other remedies:

Saline Nasal Spray

If you have a runny or stuffy nose, a saline nasal spray can make breathing easier by reducing inflammation and relieving pressure.

Eat More Fruits

Bananas, apples, and oranges are great choices that help your body recover. They’re also easy to digest and are packed with nutrition. They are also water-rich, which helps you keep hydrated.

Pain Relievers

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) helps relieve body aches. They’re also accessible and are safer for all ages compared to other pain relievers such as aspirin.